[0001] The field of the invention relates to turbines generally, and more
particularly to certain new and useful advances in the manufacture and/or cooling of gas
turbine combustor liners, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to
the drawings accompanying and forming a part of the same.
Description of Related Art
[0002] A combustor of a gas turbine is a component or area thereof in which
combustion of fuel occurs, and which affects various engine characteristics, including
emissions and/or fuel efficiency. The purpose of combustors is to regulate the
combustion of fuel and air to produce energy in the form of high-temperature gases,
which can rotate an engine or generator turbine and/or be routed through an exhaust
nozzle. Combustors are subject to various design considerations, which include, but are
not limited to: maintaining a uniform exit temperature profile so that hot spots do not
damage the turbine or the combustor, and operating with low emission of pollutants.
Accordingly, a combustor liner, which contains the combustion process and introduces
various airflows into the combustion zone, is built to withstand high temperatures. Some
combustor liners are insulated from heat by thermal barrier coatings ("TBCs"), but most
rely on various types of air-cooling to reduce liner temperature. For example, film
cooling injects a thin blanket of cool air over the interior of the combustor liner, while
effusion cooling pushes cool air through a lattice formed of closely spaced, discrete
pores, or holes, in the combustor liner. Of the two approaches, effusion cooling tends to
use less air and to generate a more uniform temperature profile than film cooling.
[0003] Figure 14 is a sectional side view of a substrate coated with a thermal
barrier coating and having a conventional round cooling hole 120. Figure 15 is another
sectional view of the conventional round cooling hole 120 of Figure 14, taken along the
line A-A'. Figure 6 is another sectional view of the conventional round cooling hole 120
of Figure 15, taken along the line B-B'.
ί
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[0004] Figure 17 is a sectional side view of a substrate coated with a thermal
barrier coating and having a conventional conical film cooling hole 130. Figure 8 is
another sectional view of the conventional conical film cooling hole 130 of Figure 17,
taken along the line A-A'. Figure 19 is another sectional view of the conventional
conical film cooling hole 130 of Figure 1 , taken along the line B-B'.
[0005] Figure 20 is a sectional side view of a substrate coated with a thermal
barrier coating and having a conventional "3D" film cooling hole 140. Figure 2 1 is
another sectional view of the conventional "3D" film cooling hole 140 of Figure 20,
taken along the line A-A'. Figure 22 is another sectional view of the conventional "3D"
film cooling hole 140 of Figure 20, taken along the line B-B'.
[0006] Figure 23 is a sectional side view of a substrate coated with a thermal
barrier coating and having a conventional "fan" film cooling hole 150. Figure 24 is
another sectional view of the conventional "fan" film cooling hole 150 of Figure 23,
taken along the line A-A'. Figure 25 is another sectional view of the conventional "fan"
film cooling hole 150 of Figure 23, taken along the line B-B'.
[0007] Referring to Figures 15-25, each conventional cooling hole 120, 130, 140
and 150 is formed at an angle in a substrate 100. The substrate 100 is coated with a
thermal barrier coating 101. The thermal barrier coating 101 is coated with a bond coat
103. Each cooling hole 120, 130, 140 and 150 has an inlet 113 formed on one side of the
substrate 100 and a larger outlet 1 1 that is formed on the opposite side of the substrate
100. Each cooling hole 120 130, 140 and 150 has a bore 112 that communicates with
and/or forms part of the inlet 113. The bore 112 is generally cylindrical. For the round
cooling hole 120, the diameter 14 of the bore 12 is uniform between the inlet 13 and
the outlet 112. For the cooling holes 130, 140 and 150, the diameter 4 of the bore 112
increases proximate the outlet 11 .
[0008] However, each of the convention cooling holes 0, 130, 140 and 150 has
at least one disadvantage. For example, analyses of the conical film cooling holes 130
and of the "fan" film cooling holes 150 has revealed drawbacks in convective cooling.
As shown, the "3D" film cooling holes 140 have cylindrical bores 1 2 that transition to
three-dimensional diffusion on all sides in the downstream direction. However, this type
of effusion cooling arrangement tends to be unsuitable for combustor liners because such
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three-dimensional downstream diffusion removes a significant amount of thermal barrier
coating ("TBC") from the combustor liner, a disadvantage in combustors where radiation
is a substantial part of the heat load.
[0009] The practice in effusion cooling has been to limit the axial and radial
spacing of multihole arrays to about 6.5 diameters to ensure the respective airflows
coalesce into a continuous protective film and to ensure every location has bore
convective cooling. This spacing implies a certain minimum cooling flow per unit area.
However, as technology advances, there is a strong desire to reduce the cooling flow and
free up air for reduced NOx emissions, increased efficiency, and/or better turbine
cooling.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Embodiments of a shaped cooling hole for use in effusion cooling
components, such as combustor liners of gas turbines, with improved film effectiveness
at little loss of bore convective cooling, together with methods for making the same, as
herein shown, described and claimed. Various features and advantages of embodiments
of the shaped cooling hole will become apparent by reference to the following description
taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[001 1] Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a shaped cooling
hole;
[0013] Figure 2A is another sectional view of the shaped cooling hole of Figure 1,
taken along the line A-A';
[0014] Figure 2B is another sectional view of the shaped cooling hole of Figure
1, taken along the line B-B';
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[0015] Figure 3 is a sectional side view of a substrate coated with a thermal
barrier coating and having an embodiment of the shaped cooling hole of Figures 1 and 2
formed therein as created by a process of drill then coat and clean;
[0016] Figure 4 is another sectional view of the shaped cooling hole of Figure 3,
taken along the line A-A';
[0017] Figure 5 is another sectional view of the shaped cooling hole of Figure 3,
taken along the line B-B';
[0018] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a substrate having an array
of shaped cooling holes formed therein;
[0019] Figure 7 is a top view of an exit surface of a substrate having an array of
shaped cooling holes formed therein at a predetermined angle, illustrating the wide exit
afforded each shaped cooling hole;
[0020] Figure 8 is a top view of an opposite, inlet surface of the metal coupon of
Figure 7, illustrating the inlets of the shaped cooling holes;
[002 1] Figure 9 is a diagram of an embodiment of the shaped cooling hole of
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, which diagram illustrates a method of manufacture;
[0022] Figure 10 is a flowchart further illustrating the method of manufacture of
Figure 9;
[0023] Figure 11 is a flowchart of an embodiment of another method for making
one or more shaped cooling holes, such as the shaped cooling hole shown in Figures 1, 2,
3, 4, 5 and 9;
[0024] Figure 12 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system used to manufacture
one or more shaped cooling holes;
[0025] Figure 13 is a flowchart further illustrating a method of manufacturing
one or more shaped cooling holes in a substrate, such as that shown in Figure 12;
[0026] Figure 14 is a sectional side view of a substrate coated with a thermal
barrier coating and having a conventional round cooling hole;
[0027] Figure 15 is another sectional view of the conventional round cooling hole
of Figure 14, taken along the line A-A';
[0028] Figure 16 is another sectional view of the conventional round cooling hole
of Figure 14, taken along the line B-B';
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[0029] Figure 17 is a sectional side view of a substrate coated with a thermal
barrier coating and having a conventional conical film cooling hole;
[0030] Figure 18 is another sectional view of the conventional conical film
cooling hole of Figure 17, taken along the line A-A';
[0031] Figure 19 is another sectional view o the conventional conical film
cooling hole of Figure 7, taken along the line B-B';
[0032] Figure 20 is a sectional side view of a substrate coated with a thermal
barrier coating and having a conventional "3D" film cooling hole;
[0033] Figure 2 1 is another sectional view of the conventional "3D" film cooling
hole of Figure 20, taken along the line A-A';
[0034] Figure 22 is another sectional view of the conventional "3D" film cooling
hole of Figure 20, taken along the line B-B';
[0035] Figure 23 is a sectional side view of a substrate coated with a thermal
barrier coating and having a conventional "fan" film cooling hole;
[0036] Figure 24 is another sectional view of the conventional "fan" film cooling
hole of Figure 23, taken along the line A-A'; and
[0037] Figure 25 is another sectional view of the conventional "fan" film cooling
hole of Figure 23, taken along the line B-B'.
[0038] Like reference characters designate identical or corresponding
components and units throughout the several views, which are not to scale unless
otherwise indicated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Figure 1 is a sectional side view of a substrate 20 coated with one or more
layers 27 and/or 28, and having an embodiment of the shaped cooling hole 10 formed at a
predetermined angle therein as created by a process of coat and then drill. By way of
example, and not limitation, a predetermined angle of the bore 53 relative to an exit
surface 37 of the substrate 20 may range from about 20 degrees to 30 degrees. Figure 2A
is another sectional view of the shaped cooling hole of Figure 1, taken along the line AA'.
Figure 2B is another sectional view of the shaped cooling hole of Figure 1, taken
along the line B-B'. Figure 3 is a sectional side view of a substrate coated with a thermal
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barrier coating and having an embodiment of the shaped cooling hole of Figures 1 and 2
formed therein as created by a process of drill then coat and clean. Figure 4 is another
sectional view of the shaped cooling hole of Figure 3, taken along the line A-A'. Figure 5
is another sectional view of the shaped cooling hole of Figure 3, taken along the line BB
[0040] Referring to Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4 and 5, the bore 53 of the shaped
cooling hole 10 extends from an inlet 13 that is formed on a first side 36 of the substrate
20 to the outlet 11 of the shaped cooling hole 10 that is formed on a second side 37 of the
substrate 20. As shown, the outlet 11 has larger dimensions than the inlet 13. The
diameter 14 (FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4 and 5) of the bore 53 is cylindrical from the inlet 13 to a
transition point 115 of the shaped cooling hole 10. From about the transition point 115 of
the shaped cooling hole 10, the diameter 114 of the bore 53 expands in only in one
dimension, e.g., in two directions along a single dimension, so that it has a first wing 3 1
and a second wing 33 (as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4 and 5), which are symmetrical about
the shaped cooling hole's longitudinal center axis 35.
[0041] In Figures 1, 2A and 2B, there is no overflow within the bore 63 because
the layers 27 and 28 are coated on the substrate 20 prior to the shaped cooling hole 10
being laser-drilled. The layer 27 is attached to an exit surface 37 of the substrate 20.
Optionally, another layer 28, i.e., a second layer 28, is attached to the layer 27. In one
embodiment, the layer 27 is a thermal barrier coating ("TBC"), and the layer 28, is either
another thermal barrier coating or a bond coat. In another embodiment, the layer 27 is a
non-thermal barrier coating and the layer 28 is a thermal barrier coating. Depending on
the embodiment, one or more dimensions of the shaped cooling hole 10 can be scaled or
modified to accommodate the thickness 30 of the substrate 20, an overall thickness 5 1 of
the substrate 20 and the layer 27, or an overall thickness 52 of the substrate 20, the layer
27 and the layer 28.
[0042] Referring to Figures 2A and 4, the shaped cooling hole 10 has a bore 53
extending therethrough, from the inlet 13 to the outlet 11. The outlet 11 has a shaped
portion that has opposing wings 3 1 and 33, which are symmetric about the center
longitudinal axis 35 of the cooling hole 10 and that expand, or widen, in only one
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dimension. The cross-sectional views of Figure 1 and Figure 4 provide a basis for
referring to embodiments of the shaped cooling hole 10 as having a "Y" shape shape.
[0043] Figure 2B is another sectional view of the shaped cooling hole 10 of
Figure 2A, taken along the line B-B'. In other words, this is a cross-sectional view of the
shaped cooling hole 10, looking from the outlet 1 (Figure 2A) toward the inlet 13
(Figure 2A). Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the shaped cooling hole 10, looking
from the outlet (Figure 4) toward the inlet 13 (Figure 4). Thus, the views of Figure 2B
and 5 illustrates the shaped cooling hole 10 having shaped portions, or wings, 3 1 and 33,
a cylindrical bore 53.
[0044] Figures 3, 4 and 5 depict a second embodiment of the shaped cooling hole
10 of Figure 1. In this second embodiment, the shaped cooling hole 10 is first drilled in
the substrate 20 at a predetermined angle. Afterwards, the substrate 20 is coated with at
least a layer 27 of a desired material. As a result of this coating, some of the desired
material that forms later 27 may overflow 29 within a portion of the outlet 11. Any
overflow of a softer layer 28 is removed by blasting an abrasive through the bore 53.
[0045] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a substrate 20 having an
array 25 of shaped cooling holes 10 formed therein. In this particular, non-limiting
example, the substrate 20 is a combustor liner of a gas turbine. The array 25 of shaped
cooling holes 10 has a predetermined row spacing 2 1 and a predetermined hole spacing
within rows 21b. Additionally, in one embodiment, adjacent rows of shaped cooling
holes 0 are offset by a predetermined amount 23.
[0046] Figure 7 is a top view of an exit surface 37 of a substrate 20 having an
array of shaped cooling holes 10 formed therein at a predetermined angle, illustrating the
wide outlet 11 afforded by each shaped cooling hole 10. Figure 8 is a top view of an
opposite, inlet surface of the metal coupon of Figure 7, illustrating the inlets 13 of the
shaped cooling holes 10. In Figures 7 and 8, the substrate 20 is a metal coupon, which is
optionally coated with one or more layers. Such layers may be the layers 27 and 28
described above with reference to Figure 3.
Exemplary Benefits Associated With Embodiments of the Invention
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[0047] As explained herein, embodiments of the shaped cooling holes 10 provide
one or more exemplary and non-limiting benefits.
[0048] Referring again to Figures 1, 2 and 3, compared with the round and/or
conical cooling holes formerly used, embodiments of the shaped cooling hole 10 expand
the outlet 11 only in one dimension and stay generally cylindrical for about half their
length, thereby maintaining high bore cooling velocity. However, although high bore
cooling velocity is maintained through the bore 53, embodiments of the shaped cooling
hole 10 tend to have reduced exit momentum of a coolant flow at the outlet 11, because
the velocity of the coolant flow lessens upon entering the wider shaped portion of the
shaped cooling hole 10. Accordingly, a coolant flowing through each shaped cooling
hole 10 will have a first (entry) momentum through the inlet 13 and a reduced second
(exit) momentum at the outlet 11. This reduced second momentum combines with the
Coanda effect, which is the tendency of a fluid jet to be attracted to a nearby surface, to
reduce undesirable blowoff. Consequently, embodiments of the shaped cooling hole 10
provide a uniform and wide thin film of coolant flow (hereinafter, "cool film"), which is
larger than could be previously achieved with conventional round holes 120.
[0049] Thus, in one embodiment, a shaped cooling hole 0 has a cylindrical bore
53 that extends from the inlet 3 to the transition point 5 and has an outlet 1 that
extends from the transition point 15 and expands only in one dimension, e.g., in at least
one direction along one dimension, to minimize reduction of a layer 27 applied to an exit
surface 37 of a substrate 20 and to spread out a cool film of cooling fluid that flows
through the shaped cooling hole 0 so the cooling fluid can coalesce and reduce hot gaps
between coolant tails. Accordingly, using embodiments of the shaped cooling hole 10
provides this expanded outlet 1 , but without the harmful effects associated with other
types of exit shapes of the conventional round cooling holes 120, the conventional
conical film cooling holes 130, the conventional "3D" film cooling holes 140 or the
conventional "fan" film cooling holes 150.
[0050] Moreover, it has been discovered that arrays of the shaped cooling holes
10 afford improved geometric coverage and reduced-blow off momentum. These effects
combine to provide better establishment of a cool film on the exit surface of the substrate
20 than can be achieved with arrays of conventional types of film cooling holes 120, 130,
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140 and 150. Additionally, while the improved cool film cooling fluid exiting from the
outlet 11 of the shaped cooling hole 10 protects the exit surface 37 of the substrate 20
and/or its layer 27 and/or 28 (in Figure 3), such as a thermal barrier coating ("TBC"),
from excessive temperature better than round holes 120, the material(s) through which
the bore 53 of the shaped cooling hole 10 is formed have convective heat transfer
coefficients which help draw heat away from the exit surface 37 of the substrate 20
toward its inlet surface 36. By maintaining a higher average velocity along its length, the
"Y" shaped hole 10 provides better convective cooling than conventional holes 130, 140,
or 150. Also the shaped hole 10 can leave more thermal barrier 28 undisturbed than
conventional holes 130 or 140. Thus, in an array of cooling holes, the shaped cooling
holes 0 use fewer rows to establish a lower temperature thin film of cooling fluid at the
outlet 11 than conventional cooling holes. The lower temperature thin film of cooling
fluid at the outlet 11 of the shaped cooling hole 10 produces a cooler temperature on the
exit surface 37 of the substrate 20, than can be presently obtained using conventional
cooling holes. This affords increased part life at current cooling levels and/or allows
thicker layer(s) 27, 28 within surface temperature limits.
[005 1] In summary, it has been discovered that a substrate 20 having an array of
the shaped cooling holes 10 described herein reduces the temperature of a layer, such as a
thermal barrier coating and/or bond coat, previously applied to the substrate 20; and/or
reduces the temperature of the underlying material that forms the substrate 20 as
compared to the conventional types cooling holes 120, 130, 140 and 150. Either or both
these benefits offer increased part life at current cooling levels and/or enables thicker
layer(s), such as thermal barrier coating(s) and/or other types of coatings, within surface
temperature limits. Benefits such as these are important, because customers for aircraft
engines and other gas turbines desire fuel burn benefits of higher pressure ratio cycles,
longer lives between overhauls, and reduced emissions. However, such conflicting
requirements push for obtaining the greatest cooling benefit from the least amount of
cooling flow. Also, there can be cost advantages to the shaped hole 10 compared to
conventional holes 130, 140, or 150. The volume of material to be removed is less than
for holes 130, 140, or 150. The ease of maintaining a desired flow characteristic is easier
with a finite cylindrical portion than with holes 130 or 150. Finally, as described below,
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the shapes can be formed by rapid laser processes with simpler manipulations of laser
focus, laser head motions, or part motions than holes 130 or 0. Since embodiments of
the shaped cooling holes 10 described herein address these and/or other concerns, they
are important enablers for optimum design of machines, such as, but not limited to
engines and turbines, and/or components thereof.
Methods of Manufacture and/or Use
[0052] Various methods are used to manufacture the shaped cooling holes 10.
One such method involves laser drilling a thru-hole and then initiating parallel shots, of
differing depths, that march to two opposite sides of the thru-hole. Another such method
includes rotating the substrate 20 (Figure 1) and laser drilling on the fly with lead and lag.
In either method, the substrate may be coated with one or more coatings before laser
drilling or after.
[0053] Figure 9 is a diagram of an embodiment of the shaped cooling hole 10 of
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, which illustrates a method of manufacture. Figure 10 is a
flowchart further illustrating the method of manufacture of Figure 9.
[0054] In Figure 9, a shaped cooling hole 10 formed in a substrate 20 is shown.
The substrate 20 is spaced apart from a laser source 60. The laser source 60 is coupled
with a controller 61, which may be a general purpose or specific purpose computer.
Optionally, the substrate 20 is supported on a fixed or moveable support 57. If the
support 57 is moveable, it is coupled with a motor 58. In such an embodiment, the motor
58 can be coupled with the controller 6 1 to that the substrate 20 will be moved, in one or
more dimensions relative to one or more laser beams 50 emitted by the laser source 60
and in accordance with one or more signals output from the controller 6 1 and received by
the motor 58, to form the shaped cooling hole 10. The controller 6 1 may be coupled with
a user interface 67. Non-limiting examples of the user-interface include a touch screen, a
keyboard, a computer mouse, and the like.
[0055] n one embodiment, the laser source 60 comprises a laser generator 65, a
lens 64, and a motor 63, which forms part of the laser source 60. In one embodiment,
the motor 63 is coupled with the lens 64 and the controller 6 1 so that one or more laser
beams 50 emitted from the laser source 60 will be moved and/or focused, in accordance
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with one or more signals output from the controller 6 1 and received by the motor 63, to
form the shaped cooling hole 10.
[0056] Alternatively, the laser source 60 comprises the laser generator 65 and the
lens 64; and the laser source 60 is optionally coupled with, or supported by, a support 62.
In such an embodiment, the support 62 is coupled with and moved by a motor 66 that
does not form part of the laser source 60, but which is coupled with the controller 61.
[0057] In either embodiment, the lens 64 comprises one or more lenses, and may
comprise a lens assembly having a plurality of lenses, one or more of which may be
moveable and coupled with one or more motors.
[0058] The controller 6 1 is configured to execute one or more computer readable
instructions stored on a computer readable medium, such as any type of computer
readable memory. The computer readable instructions configure the controller 6 1 to
operate the laser source 60, and/or one or more of the motors 58, 63 and 66, to form the
shaped cooling hole 10 in the substrate 20. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the
computer readable instructions may configure the controller 6 1 to operate the laser source
60, and/or one or more of the motors 58, 63 and 66, to perform one or more of the
method steps set forth in Figure 0.
[0059] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the method 70 comprises one or more of
the following steps 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, and 76, which unless otherwise indicated may be
performed in any suitable order and/or combination. Illustratively, an embodiment of the
method 70 starts by initiating 7 1 a predetermined sequence and/or pattern of laser shots
50 that impinge a substrate 20, such as a combustor liner for a gas turbine. In one
embodiment, the laser shots 50 are parallel to each other. This predetermined sequence
of laser shots 50 may comprise drilling 72 a bore 53 along a center longitudinal axis 35 of
the shaped cooling hole 10, and then performing one or more sequences of steps 73, 74,
75 and 76. The bore 53 is drilled from either the inlet surface or the exit surface of the
substrate 20 (Figure 1).
[0060] For example, after drilling 72 the bore 53, the method 70 further
comprises drilling 73 a first wing 3 of the shaped portion of the outlet 1 (Figure 1) of
the shaped cooling hole 0 by applying a first sequence of laser shots 55 to the substrate
20 adjacent one side of the bore 53. This first sequence of laser shots 55 begins at or
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proximate the center longitudinal axis 35, or bore 53, and marches outwards away from
the center longitudinal axis 35. Each laser shot in the first sequence of laser shots 55 is
drilled less than a beam diameter from its predecessor such that the overlapping portions
of the shots penetrate more close to the bore than at the end of the wing. Additionally or
alternatively, each laser shot in the first sequence of laser shots 55 is angled relative to
the center longitudinal axis 35. As described above, the timing, depth, focal point, width,
angle, and/or pattern of the first sequence of laser shots 55 are controlled and determined
by computer readable instructions that are read and executed by the controller 6 1 and/or
converted to signals that are output to the laser source 60 and/or one or more of the
motors 58, 63 and 66. After drilling 73 the first wing 3 1 of the shaped cooling hole 10,
the method 70 optionally comprises reshooting 74 the bore 53. Otherwise, the method 70
further comprises drilling 75 a second wing 33 of the shaped portion of the shaped
cooling hole 10 by applying a second sequence of laser shots 56 to the substrate 20
adjacent a second side of the bore 53, wherein the second side of the bore 53 is opposite
the first side of the bore 53. This second sequence of laser shots 56 begins at or
proximate the center longitudinal axis 35, or bore 53, and marches outwards away from
the center longitudinal axis 35, and in a direction opposite the first wing 31. Each laser
shot in the second sequence of laser shots 56 is drilled less than a beam diameter from its
predecessor such that the overlapping portions of the shots penetrate more close to the
bore than at the end of the wing. Additionally or alternatively, each laser shot in the
second sequence of laser shots is angled relative to the center longitudinal axis 35. As
described above, the timing, depth, focal point, width, angle, and/or pattern of the second
sequence of laser shots 56 are controlled and determined by computer readable
instructions that are read and executed by the controller 6 1 and/or converted to signals
that are output to the laser source 60 and/or one or more of the motors 58, 63 and 66.
After drilling 76 the second wing 33 of the shaped cooling hole 10, the method 70 may
optionally comprise reshooting 76 the bore 53 to clean out any material deposited during
the drilling of the wings. In one embodiment, the first sequence of laser shots 55 and the
second sequence of laser shots 56 are configured to drill the wings 3 1 and 33,
respectively, from the exit surface of the substrate 20 (Figure ). Thereafter, the method
70 may end and the laser or the substrate 20 can be moved by motors 66 or 58 to align
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with the next hole in the pattern, with method 70 repeated until all holes desired in the
substrate 20 have been drilled.
[00 Figure 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of another method 100 for
making one or more shaped cooling holes, such as the shaped cooling hole 10 shown in
Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, 5 and 9. With reference to these Figures, the method 1100 begins
by percussive laser drilling 101 of a bore 53 of a round through hole. The method 100
further comprises pulsing 1102 laser shots while moving about one diameter out to one
side, or wing 31, of the bore 53. The method further comprises stopping 1103 the laser
shot pulsing while moving back to center. The method further comprises pulsing 1104
laser shots while moving about one diameter out to an opposite side, or wing 33, of the
bore 53. The method 1100 further comprises stopping 105 the laser shot pulsing while
moving back to center. The method 1100 further comprises shooting 1106 one or more
laser shots to clean up the bore 53.
[0062] Depending on the embodiment, it may require about twice as many laser
shots to form each shaped cooling hole 10, as it does to form a conventional round
cooling hole. Additionally, it has been determined that the wings 3 1 and 33 (Figure 9)
can be formed by pulsing the laser shots 50 (Figure 9) while swinging them through a
predetermined angle relative to a surface (e.g., exit surface 37 in Figure 2) of the
substrate 20. However, this approach requires detailed tracking of the laser shots and the
surface location of each shaped cooling hole 10. Additionally, the laser drilling used in at
least one embodiment to make the shaped cooling holes 10 can be performed through
TBC coated substrates or bare metal.
[0063] Figure 12 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system 1200 used to
manufacture one or more shaped cooling holes 10. The system 1200 includes a laser
source 60 that is spaced apart from a brace 82, which is configured to hold and/or support
a substrate 20, such as a combustor liner of a gas turbine, in a manner that allows the
substrate 20 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, as indicated by arrows 90, when a
shaft 8 1 that is coupled with the brace 82 is turned by a motor 80. The laser source 60
may comprise the motor 63, lens 64 and laser generator 65 (shown in Figure 9). A
controller 6 1 is coupled with the motor 80, which rotates the substrate 20. The controller
6 1 is also coupled with the laser source 60, which generates one or more laser shots 9 1.
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In one embodiment, the controller 6 1 is also coupled with one or more sensors 83 and/or
the user interface 67. The one or more sensors 83 provide data about one or more
components of the system 1200 to the controller 61. For example, the one or more
sensors 83 may be rotational sensors that measure the rotations per minute of the shaft 8 1
and/or of the substrate 20. The one or more sensors 83 may also include sensors that
measure the spacing and/or depth of the one or more shaped cooling holes 10, as the one
or more shaped cooling holes 10 are drilled by the one or more laser shots 91.
[0064] The controller 6 1 is configured to read and execute one or more computer
readable instructions stored in or on a computer readable medium, such as any type of
computer readable memory. The computer readable instructions configure the controller
6 1 to operate the laser source 60 and the motor 80 to form the one or more shaped
cooling holes 10 in the substrate 20. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the computer
readable instructions configures the controller 6 1 to synchronize operation of the laser
source 60 and the motor 80 so that one or more of the method steps set forth in Figure 12
are performed. For example, the commands outputted by the controller 6 1 can
synchronize speed of the motor 80, and/or a frequency of rotation of the substrate 20,
with the timing, duration and/or power of the one or more laser shots 9 1 that are
generated by the laser source 60 so that one or more shaped cooling holes 10 are formed
in and/or through the substrate 20.
[0065] Figure 13 is a flowchart further illustrating a method 1300 of
manufacturing one or more shaped cooling holes in a substrate 20, such as that shown in
Figure 12. Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the method 1300 begins by moving, or
rotating, 1301 the substrate 20 at a predetermined speed, or frequency of rotation. The
method 1300 further comprises initiating 1302 a first sequence of laser shots 9 1 to drill
one or more bores 53 (Fig. 9) in the substrate 20, each at a predetermined angle. The
method 1300 further comprises adjusting 1303 the timing of a second sequence of laser
shots 9 1 to lead or lag the passing of same location(s) on the substrate 20 of first
sequence of laser shots 9 1 by a predetermined increment of time. The timing is specified
in relation to the rotational speed to cause partially overlapping laser shots 9 1 to create
portions of fan shapes, each of which extends across a respective one of the one or more
bores 53 (Fig. 9). Thus, the method 1300 further comprises initiating 1304 the second
24 02-
sequence of laser shots 9 1 with varying degrees of lead and lag timing, specified in
relation to the rotational speed, to cause partially overlapping laser shots 9 1 to create
portions of fan shapes, e.g., wings 3 1 and 33, in one dimension tangential to a direction
of rotation, each of which extends across a respective one of the one or more bores 53.
The controller then determines 1305 whether the fan-shape is complete. If not, the
method 1300 loops back and repeats steps 1303 and 1304. The method 1300 ends when
the outlets 11 of each of the one or more shaped cooling holes 10 are complete and
expanded only plus and/or minus in the direction of rotation.
[0066] The substrate 20 can be coated with a TBC before or after the method 70
of Figure 10, or the method 1100 of Figure 1 , or the method 1300 of Figure 13 is
performed. Coating the substrate with a TBC prior to laser drilling ensures the TBC does
not fill and/or block the shaped cooling holes. If the TBC is applied after laser drilling,
the shaped cooling holes will need to be further treated with grit and/or laser shots to
remove any coating that has entered them. Alternatively, the substrate 20 can be
simultaneously coated with a TBC and cleaned to ensure that the TBC does not occlude
the shaped cooling holes. In such an embodiment, one side of the rotating substrate 20 (of
Figure 11) receives a TBC while the other side has grit blasted through the shaped
cooling holes to keep them open. Experiments have shown that such a process is capable
of keeping the "wings" of the shaped cooling holes clear, or substantially clear, of TBC.
Experiment
[0067] Wind tunnel testing of embodiments of the shaped cooling holes 10
described herein have validated one or more benefits associated with embodiments of the
shaped cooling holes, such as cooler thermal barrier coating ("TBC") temperatures and
cooler backside temperatures than those achieved using conventional types of cooling
holes 120, 130, 140 and 150.
[0068] During testing, hot air at about 600° F and cool air at about 80° F were
flowed onto and/or around a test substrate and a control substrate. The control substrate
had a plurality of conventional round cooling holes 120 formed therein. One surface of
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the control substrate, e.g., the front side, was coated with a TBC. The opposite surface of
the control substrate, e.g., the backside, was uncoated.
[0069] The test substrate had a plurality of shaped cooling holes 10 (Figures 1, 2,
3, 4, 5 and 9) formed therein. One surface of the test substrate, e.g., the front side, was
coated with a TBC. The opposite surface of the test substrate, e.g., the backside, was
uncoated.
[0070] To measure the TBC temperatures under simulated take-off conditions,
infrared images of the TBC side of the control substrate and of the TBC side of the test
substrate were taken during the testing. The backside temperatures of both the test
substrate and the control substrate were measured using thermocouples. The temperature
data from the infrared images and thermocouples was analyzed, and it was determined
that significantly lower TBC temperatures and backside temperatures resulted from using
embodiments of the shaped cooling holes 10 described herein.
]0071] Testing further demonstrated that these cooling benefits were robust to
varying operating conditions, manufacturing techniques and part-to-part variation. For
example, one test showed that backside temperatures of a test substrate in which
embodiments of the shaped cooling holes 10 were drilled averaged about 50° F (10° C)
cooler than the backside temperatures of a control substrate in which round cooling holes
120 were drilled.
Types of Substrates and/or Objects Including Them
[0072] Depending on the embodiment, the substrate 20 referenced above is one
of a combustor liner, a combustor liner for a turbine, a combustor liner for a gas turbine, a
combustor liner for a gas turbine engine, a combustor liner "can", an afterburner liner, a
metal testing coupon, or the like. Accordingly, embodiments of the claimed invention
encompass any of such items individually. Embodiments of the claimed invention also
encompass items such as, but not limited to, an engine, a turbine or a vehicle having as an
element or component thereof a substrate with one or more shaped cooling holes formed
therein.
[0073] In one embodiment, the turbine is a gas turbine. Such a gas turbine is
either a gas turbine engine or a gas producer core. Non-limiting examples of a gas turbine
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engine are a turbojet, a turbofan, a turboprop and a turboshaft. Non-limiting examples of
a gas producer core are: a turbogenerator, a turbo water pump, a jet dryer, a snow melter,
a turbocompressor, and the like.
[0074] Embodiments of the claimed invention also encompass a vehicle having a
turbine which has as an element or component thereof a substrate with one or more
shaped cooling holes 0 formed therein. In such an embodiment, the turbine is a gas
turbine engine, such as but not limited to: a turbojet, a turbofan, a turboprop and a
turboshaft. Examples of vehicles having a gas turbine engine include, but are not limited
to: an aircraft, a hovercraft, a locomotive, a marine vessel, a ground vehicle, and the like.
[0075] As used herein, an element or function recited in the singular and
proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural said
elements or functions, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore,
references to "one embodiment" of the claimed invention should not be interpreted as
excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited
features.
[0076] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including
the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the
invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may
include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are
intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural
elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
[0077] Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings
and not in others, this is for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any
or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. The words "including",
"comprising", "having", and "with" as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and
comprehensively and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Moreover, any
embodiments disclosed in the subject application are not to be taken as the only possible
embodiments. Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the
scope of the following claims. In particular, although claims are made regarding specific
methods of using laser pulses to drill embodiments of the shaped cooling holes described,
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shown and/or claimed herein, other methods using electro-discharge machining,
waterjets, or other material removal mechanisms are understood to be alternative ways of
achieving substantially the same function and/or result.
CLAIMS
What Is Claimed Is:
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a substrate having an inlet surface and an exit surface, wherein the substrate has a
shaped cooling hole comprising:
an inlet at the inlet surface;
a cylindrical bore that extends from the inlet to a transition point of the
shaped cooling hole; and
an outlet that extends from the transition point and expands only in one
dimension
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is an afterburner liner for a jet engine
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a combustor liner for a gas turbine.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the gas turbine is a jet engine.
5. A combustor liner for a gas turbine, the combustor liner comprising:
an inlet surface and an opposing exit surface, wherein the combustor liner has a
shaped cooling hole comprising:
an inlet at the inlet surface;
a cylindrical bore that extends from the inlet to a transition point of the
shaped cooling hole; and
an outlet that extends from about the transition point and expands only in
one dimension..
6. The combustor liner of claim 5, wherein the gas turbine is a jet engine.
7. The combustor liner of claim 6, wherein the combustor liner is a afterburner liner.
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8. A gas turbine, comprising:
a combustor liner having an inlet surface and an exit surface, wherein the
combustor liner has a shaped cooling hole comprising:
an inlet at the inlet surface;
a cylindrical bore that extends from the inlet to a transition point of the
shaped cooling hole; and
a outlet that extends from about the transition point and expands only in
one dimension.
9. A method of making one or more shaped cooling holes in a substrate, the method
comprising:
initiating a predetermined sequence of laser shots that impinge the substrate;
drilling a bore along a center longitudinal axis of the shaped cooling hole; and
drilling a first wing of a shaped portion of an outlet of the shaped cooling hole by
applying a first sequence of overlapping laser shots to the substrate adjacent one side of
the bore.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the predetermined sequence of laser shots pass
through a coating formed on the substrate before impinging the substrate.
1 . The method of claim 9, wherein each laser shot in the first sequence of laser shots
reach different depths based on how many shot cover a given location.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein each laser shot in the first sequence of laser shots is
angled relative to the center longitudinal axis.
13. A method, comprising:
laser drilling a bore of a round through hole;
pulsing laser shots while moving about one diameter out to one side of the bore;
back to center; and
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pulsing laser shots while moving about one diameter out to an opposite side of the
bore.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
stopping the laser shot pulsing while moving back to center.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
moving back to center; and
shooting one or more laser shots to clean up the bore.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
stopping the laser shot pulsing while moving back to center.
17. A method for manufacturing one or more shaped cooling holes in a substrate, the
method comprising:
rotating the substrate at a predetermined speed;
initiating a first sequence of laser shots to drill one or more bores in the substrate,
each at a predetermined angle relative to an exit surface of the substrate with the shots
timed such that same locations are struck repeatedly as the substrate turns until through
holes are achieved;
adjusting varying degrees of lead and/or lag timing of a second sequence of laser
shots; and
initiating the second sequence of laser shots with the varying degrees of lead and
lag to create wings in one dimension tangential to a direction of rotation, each of which
extends across a respective one of the one or more bores.